Telrad red dot finder

Hi all,

Twelve months ago I purchased my first telescope: An Orion SkyQuest XT6. I am thoroughly enjoying my time with the scope, and I am very much looking forward to learning more about the night sky over the next 12 months. However, the 'EZ Finder II' red dot finder, which was supplied with the XT6, has become problematic. In an attempt to replace / upgrade it I've just discovered the Telrad Red dot finder. Considering I have tried to invest a few hours each week in to watching YouTube videos on amateur astronomy; and reading magazines such as 'The Sky at Night', and 'Astronomy Ireland' each month; I was somewhat surprised that it has taken the best part of a year to hear of the Telrad - many thanks Amazon!

On the face of it they seem to be a good for someone at the early stages of the hobby, but what do you think? Keen to hear your thoughts on the this piece of equipment.

Kindest regards,

Darren.

Hi Darren.
I'm just wondering if a small finder scope would be better.
Such a small scope offering something between 5x to 10x might be very good for you. (I know that's what I would purchase).
Having met you recently It is my belief that someone like yourself deserves that little bit better. I started with a 6X30 finder scope in the 1980's.

Clear skies from Aubrey.

Very many thanks for the quick response Aubrey, and for the good suggestion on the finder scope. I'll follow that up for sure!

Kindest regards,

Darren.

It's the best red dot finder on the market, I have one on each of my refractors, replacing the normal finders.  I find it much easier to use than a traditional magnifying finder.  It is simple to align and there are plenty of Telrad finder charts on the net to download and print.  If you decide to buy one, you will not regret it.
Paul

I should also have said that the 6X30 finder scope I found very fiddly and difficult to adjust whenever it was out of alignment.
So eventually I get a 9X50 finder. It was so much easier to adjust.
Mind you I must warn you may find you will have to make sure you have it in the correct position. Balancing issues will have to be figured out.

It is my sincere opinion someone like yourself, who has great passion, ought to have better equipment, Darren.

My final word of advice is to try Ktec telescopes.
Steve's contact details are at the top of this page.

Kind regards from Aubrey.

Hi Paul, Very many thanks for your reply, that's much appreciated. After viewing some of these charts I can certainly see how they could help a beginner like me locate objects in the night sky. Up to this point I've been using a planisphere (I've purposely stayed clear of apps) because I like this way of working. Don't get me wrong, I'm a keen user of Starry Night and other similar programmes, but when I'm out in the field I like keeping my phone off.  While I have managed to find several DSO using the planisphere, there are times when I just can't seem to locate what I'm looking for. I'm sure with time (and better equipment) this skill will improve, and I can certainly see how the Telrad might help me along the process. I take Aubrey's point too about using a magnified finder scope as going from zero power to X 32, or X 24 can be a little bit of a jump. One thing is for sure: I'll be busy over the next couple of weeks reading around finder scopes.

Thanks again,

Darren.